Violence erupted in Assam&rsquo;s West Karbi Anglong district on Monday after a mob set fire to the ancestral residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief and senior BJP leader Tuliram Ronghang, prompting authorities to impose curfew-like restrictions across the district.
At least three protesters were injured when police fired to disperse the crowd, while a Central Reserve Police Force jawan also sustained injuries during the clashes. Several houses, shops and public properties were vandalised or torched in Kheroni and surrounding areas as the situation rapidly deteriorated.
The violence stemmed from protests demanding the eviction of alleged encroachers from protected grazing lands. Tensions escalated after clashes between protesters and security forces earlier in the day.
The unrest later spread to Dongkamokam, Ronghang&rsquo;s constituency, where demonstrators marched to his ancestral house and set it on fire. Ronghang said his elderly father, who usually resides at the house, was not present at the time and that only security personnel were stationed there.
The flare-up followed mounting tension on Sunday night after police detained nine protesters, including a youth leader, from the site of an indefinite hunger strike in Kheroni. The hunger strike, which had entered its 16th day, was launched to press for the eviction of alleged illegal settlers from Village Grazing Reserves and Professional Grazing Reserves.
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As news of the detentions spread, large crowds gathered on Monday morning, blocking roads, vandalising vehicles and clashing with security personnel. Police fired blank rounds in an attempt to control the situation, but the violence intensified and culminated in the arson attack on Ronghang&rsquo;s residence.
The agitation centres on alleged encroachment of approximately 7,184.7 acres of protected grazing land in Karbi Anglong. Protesters argue that under the Sixth Schedule, land ownership by non-protected communities is prohibited and claim that large areas have been occupied by outsiders.
Ronghang said eviction drives launched in some areas in 2024 were halted after affected residents approached the Gauhati High Court, making the matter sub judice.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday evening that some of the hunger-striking protesters were shifted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital after their health deteriorated. He alleged that misinformation regarding their detention had fuelled public anger.
&ldquo;We are aware of their demands for eviction, but we cannot overtake the High Court,&rdquo; Sarma said, adding that violence would only complicate dialogue. He said the government remained open to talks and would raise the issue with higher authorities.
In response to the violence, district administrations in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The orders prohibit gatherings of five or more people, public meetings, rallies and processions, and ban inflammatory speeches, unauthorised use of loudspeakers, and the carrying of firearms or explosives.
Movement of individuals and private vehicles has been restricted between 5 pm and 6 am, with exemptions for emergency and essential services.
Following the incident, the state director general of police reached Karbi Anglong, while education minister Ranoj Pegu was scheduled to visit the district to hold discussions with the protesters, the chief minister said.

Mob torches assam council chief’s house; curfew imposed

Curfew imposed in West Karbi Anglong after protests turn violent over land issue

Mob Torches KAAC Chief’s Home in Assam

Curfew imposed in West Karbi Anglong after protests turn violent over land issue

December 23, 2025 | 17:21 IST